2019 Yamaha MT-15 review, road test

Yamaha’s new streetfighter is more than just a naked R15.

Published on Oct 04, 2019 08:00:00 AM

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Negative LCD is difficult to read when the sun is directly above.

Non-intuitively placed horn switch leaves you hunting in an emergency.

The MT-15 shares the same, smashing 155cc, single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that we absolutely loved in the new YZF-R15; and it’s thankfully in the same state of tune as well, making 19.3hp at 10,000rpm and 14.7Nm of torque at 8,500rpm. The motor is paired to a slick and precise 6-speed gearbox.

6-speed gearbox with slip and assist clutch is light and smooth.

Keeping with the MT-15’s streetfighter focus, Yamaha has revised the final-drive ratio by fitting a larger, 52-teeth sprocket at the rear (versus 48 teeth on the R15) resulting in quicker acceleration off the line, albeit at the cost of top speed. Our test results show the difference, and the MT offers stronger acceleration up to 90kph and it also feels noticeably quicker than the R15 in roll-on acceleration, which the numbers reflect. On the other hand, the R15 leaves it for dead on a long straight; the MT runs out of steam at an indicated 130kph, while the R15 will go on to show more than 140kph.